JP2681127B2 - Vehicle seat track latch device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automobile seat track latching device for use in a vehicle seat.
(latchable track assembly), and more particularly to a latch mechanism adapted to be used in combination with a track latch device for such an automobile seat.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vehicle seat track latching devices are particularly widely used to slidably and selectively positionably retain a vehicle seat relative to a vehicle floorpan. There is. Such vehicle seat track latch devices generally include first and second slidably engaged track members which are associated with each other by a plurality of ball bearings, the first track members being relative to the vehicle. And the second track member is fixed to the seat. An example of such a prior art automotive seat track latch device is disclosed in Lecerf, U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,289 issued Sep. 5, 1989.

In the prior art, it is common to use a latching mechanism that selectively locks the two track members so that they do not slide relative to each other. Such a latch mechanism is generally rigidly attached to the second track member which is secured to the vehicle seat to ensure that the occupant has access to the handle means. ing. The latch mechanism generally includes a bracket member and an elongated lock lever, and the lock lever is rotatably attached to the bracket member near the midpoint. The lock lever is provided with a handle means at one end as an integral part, is rotatably attached as described above about a substantially vertical axis, and has two or three detent members protruding horizontally. memb
er) are arranged in small rows. The detent member is a corresponding arcuate shape of the handle means about a generally vertical axis to move in and out of a gap defined between a series of teeth forming a row of teeth on the first track member. To selectively lock the two track members relative to each other.

[0004]

However, such prior art latching mechanisms tend to be bulky in construction, yet the locking lever is of significant size to operate between the locked and unlocked states of the mechanism. Need free space. Therefore, devices that attempt to use such prior art track latch mechanisms are subject to design constraints.

Such prior art track-latch mechanisms using pivoting lock levers are only capable of accommodating up to about three detents, and the space between the teeth of the first track member. It has been found that it is only possible to operate smoothly and properly when entering and leaving the above-mentioned gap. This is because the detent must fit between the teeth of the first track member in a close locking relationship, but must travel in an arc when entering and leaving the gap. Therefore, when the circular arc becomes too large, as in the case where four or more detent portions are continuously arranged along the lock lever, the detent portions tend to be unable to move within the gap. . Nevertheless, a latch mechanism that can perform a pivoting motion is desired from the viewpoints of a simple structure, easy use, high reliability, and low manufacturing cost.

Known latching mechanisms, which are limited to three or less detents, by breaking under the severe shear forces caused by the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle in a crash condition or similar conditions, It is known to often fail. This failure of the latching mechanism would cause the vehicle seat to slide freely in the vehicle seat track system, causing severe damage to the occupant or other passengers of the vehicle. The failure of such a latch mechanism attaches the female portion of the seatbelt mount or, in fact, both the male and female portions of the seatbelt mount to the vehicle seat frame. It becomes more prominent considering the recent design trends in which safety and convenience are taken into consideration. By attaching the components of the seat belt mounting body in this manner, the collision load previously transmitted to the components of the vehicle body by the seat belt mounting body is supported by the vehicle seat frame. . Therefore, not only must the seat frame itself be rigidly formed to safely handle such increased loads, but so must the seat track latch mechanism. I won't. For this reason, the conventional seat track latch mechanism, particularly the seat track latch mechanism in which the number of the motion stop portions is limited to three or less due to the dimensional constraint, is suitable for this type of seat belt load structure. I knew it wasn't.

Another problem with known prior art latching mechanisms is that they may be seen when a shock is applied to the bracket member that holds the lock lever, but once the latching mechanism is removed from the second track device. In some cases, there is no physical interconnection between the second track member and the first track member. Thus, the first track member and the second track member do not slide with respect to each other and are therefore dangerous for the occupant.

Most importantly, the known prior art automotive seat track latch system is not always surrounded by track members and is therefore exposed to the environment surrounding the track latch system. A tooth and / or a detent. Therefore,
Seat tension material, vehicle carpet material, debris underneath the seat, or anything lost underneath the seat, which interferes with the intended operation of the latch mechanism and results in occupants and occupants. Will pose a safety risk to. Furthermore, grease and other lubricants present in the track device and the latch mechanism will touch and stain the carpet material of the vehicle and the hands of the occupant.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to arrange a substantially unlimited number of detents in association with a track so that they can be moved in and out of the teeth of the first track member. , The seat belt is attached to the vehicle seat
By providing a vehicle seat track latching device that is capable of withstanding greater truck loads as compared to conventional vehicle seat track locking mechanisms, such as those required when attaching to a toframe. The object is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is the clearance between the teeth of a fixed seat track in a plane in which the detent portion of the locking member substantially intersects the row of teeth of the fixed track member. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automobile seat track latch device that is selectively positionable so that it can be moved in and out.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a track latch device for an automobile seat having a latch mechanism, which is pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to a row of teeth of a track member and fixed to a vehicle. (EN) Provided is a track latch device for an automobile seat, which is compact and can be directly operated by an operator by providing a lock member which can be operated.

Another object of the present invention is that it is compact and lightweight, yet it resists the violent forces exerted during the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, such as those encountered during a vehicle collision, the latching mechanism. In terms of not destroying
It is extremely tough compared to conventional track latch devices,
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a track latch device for an automobile seat, which can eliminate undesired front and rear sliding of the seat.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat track latch which is capable of holding a bracket member of a latching mechanism in a latched condition when the bracket member is removed from the track member to which the bracket member is normally secured. To provide a device.

It is a further object of the present invention that peripheral devices in close proximity to the vehicle seat track latching device do not interfere with the safe latching operation of the vehicle seat track latching device, and A truck latch for a motor vehicle seat with detents and teeth substantially surrounded by the track members of the truck system to prevent grease and other lubricants from migrating to such surrounding equipment that is touched by the occupant. To provide a device. Furthermore,
Such wrapping of the teeth and detents within the track member thus provides a more compact latching device that can reduce the working space required within the vehicle. This is a particularly important factor in today's vehicle design.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat track latch system for use with a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes first and second slidably engaging track members adapted to slide relative to one another along a first longitudinal axis, the first and second The second track member is substantially U-shaped and forms a substantially enclosed space between the two track members when placed in a vehicle, the first track member having a first row of continuous teeth. And the first row is aligned with and substantially parallel to the first axis and the successive teeth are arranged to define a gap between each pair of teeth. And the second track member has a second row of continuous teeth, the second row aligned and substantially parallel to the first axis, and the continuous teeth are The first and second teeth are arranged so as to define a gap between each pair of the continuous teeth. And a locking member having a plurality of detents that are located in the gap so as to laterally enter the continuous teeth that form the second row and the two ends are joined to each other. A bracket member which is firmly attached to the second track member and laterally supports the lock member so as to be juxtaposed with the first track member, and the teeth of the first track member. Is held in the substantially enclosed space, and the detent portion is also held in the enclosed space, and the locking member is operable by selectively operating the locking member. At least some of the gaps in the first row of teeth form a corresponding number of paired aligned gaps in a plane substantially intersecting the first longitudinal axis. The second Is aligned with the number of the gaps corresponding teeth a row, they become freely selectively positionable so that it can be out against this matched gap, said first
And the second track member is selectively retained in a state of being latched with each other in a predetermined longitudinal direction.

[0016]

In the vehicle seat track latch device of the present invention having the above structure, the first and second slidably engaged track members form a substantially U-shaped enclosed space, Sliding relative to each other along a first longitudinal axis. The first track member has a first row of continuous teeth aligned and substantially parallel to the first axis. The successive teeth define a gap between each pair of successive teeth and are held in the space. The locking member includes a plurality of detents dimensioned to be located in at least one of the gaps so as to laterally extend into the continuous teeth forming the first row. The bracket member is rigidly attached to the second track member and laterally supports the lock member in parallel with the first track member. Moreover, the locking member is selectively moved by selectively operating the locking member such that the plurality of detent portions move into and out of the gap in a plane substantially intersecting the first longitudinal axis. A bracket member is attached to selectively retain the first and second track members in a predetermined longitudinally latched condition with respect to each other.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle seat track latch device, generally designated by the reference numeral 20, is used in connection with a vehicle seat 22. A handle means 24 is arranged to extend forwardly from the vehicle seat track latch device 20 so that the occupant can selectively actuate the vehicle seat track latch device.

Truck latch device 20 for automobile seats
With a first track member 30 slidably engaged with each other such that they can slide relative to each other along a first longitudinal axis "A" (see FIG. 3). Second
Track member 40 of FIG. The first track member is secured to the floor member of the vehicle (not shown) by support legs 26, 26 and known fastening means such as bolts 29. The supporting legs 26, 26 are welded to the lower side of the central portion of the first track member 30 or fixed by other means. The second track member 40 is sealed by known fixing means such as bolts or screws (not shown).
It is attached to the bottom of the boot 22 in a conventional manner. The first track member 30 and the second track member 40 are formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section, and are arranged so as to face each other so as to form a substantially enclosed space generally indicated by reference numeral 49. A vehicle seat track system of the general type having utility in connection with the illustrated preferred embodiment is a Lecerf U.S. Pat. No. 4,864 issued Sep. 5, 1989.
Further details are disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,286.

The first track member 30 has a pair of outward flanges 31 extending substantially horizontally from the top 33. Each outward flange 31 is a rail that receives a plurality of ball bearings 28 along at least a portion in the longitudinal direction.
It has a space 35. Extending downwardly from one outer side of the outwardly facing flange 31 is a series of teeth 34 in a first row, generally designated by the reference numeral 32.
4 is held in a substantially enclosed space 49. Set of teeth 34
The first row 32 of is aligned substantially parallel to the first axis "A". The series of teeth 34 are formed to define a gap 36 between each two adjacent teeth 34.

The second track member 40 has a pair of inward flanges extending inwardly from the bottom 43. The top portion 45 has a pair of rails for accommodating the ball bearing 28.
Space 47 is formed. The ball bearing 28 acts as an interface between the first track member 30 and the second track member such that the first track member 30 and the second track member 40 are in contact with each other. It is designed so that it can easily slide against it.

The second track member 40 has an opening 48. Extending downward from the top of the opening 48 is
A second row of series of teeth 44, which row is generally designated by the reference numeral 42. The second row 42 of series of teeth 44 is also aligned generally parallel to the first axis "A". The series of teeth 44 are two adjacent pairs of teeth.
It is arranged so as to define one gap 46 between each tooth 44.

According to the invention, there is further provided a locking member 50 extending into the opening 48, which locking member 50.
Is a first track member 30 and a second track member 40.
Used to selectively hold the two in a longitudinally fixed relationship to each other. The lock member 50 has a plurality of detent portions 52 that are oriented substantially horizontally, and the detent portion 52 is a gap between both the first track member 30 and the second track member 40. It is selectively positionable to allow access to and from 36 and 46. The detent portion 52 laterally presses against the series of teeth 34 forming the first row 32 and the series of teeth 44 forming the second row 42 so that the detent portion 52 and the gap 36 of the first track member 30 and Each of the two track members 40 is dimensioned so as to be arranged in the gap 46. The movement stop portion 52 has an inner end portion 52a extending upward.
The ramp portion 4 is joined to the ramped portion, and the ramp portion 4 joins the C-shaped attachment portion 58 of the lock member 50.

The detents 52 are larger on the latching mechanism in the latched condition to better resist the vehicle deceleration or acceleration shear forces that occur during a crash condition or a crash-like condition. The opposite end 52b has a spanning portion 56 to provide strength.
It is preferable to bond them together.

The C-shaped attachment portion 58 receives the shaft portion 25 of the handle means 24 interconnected in a substantially immovable manner through a circular attachment hole 51. Attachment part 58 and shaft part 25
Are preferably welded together so that they rotate together to provide a strong and stable connection, although various other attachment means can be utilized.

The opening 53 of the locking member 50, which occupies the central portion of the detent portion 52, is formed larger than the other openings 55 of the locking member 50, and each opening 53 is formed of a series of teeth of the first row 32. It is adapted to receive one of them and one of a series of teeth in the second row 42.

A bracket member 60 is provided, and the bracket member 60 is provided with a substantially flat attachment portion 62 and a C-shaped receiving portion 68. The bracket member 60 is
Firmly attached to the second track member 40 by bolts 66 (only one is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) inserted into bolt holes 64 formed in the substantially flat attachment portion 62. Has been done. The bracket member 60 has a first longitudinal axis “A” and a second longitudinal axis “B” (see FIG. 4) that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis “A”. The locking member 50 is laterally supported so as to be rotatable in parallel with the teeth 34 forming the row 32 of one.

The C-shaped receiving portion 68 is the C of the lock member 50.
It is designed to receive the letter-shaped attachment part 58 and C
The shaft portion 25 of the handle means 24 is provided in a pair of circular attachment holes 61 formed in the downwardly bent portion of the character-shaped receiving portion 68.
Is rotatably received. Thus, the lock member 50 is rotatably attached to the bracket member 60. The locking member 50 and the bracket member 60 cooperate to form a latch mechanism generally indicated by reference numeral 70.

A pair of biasing springs 72 are wound around the opposite ends of the shaft portion 25 and the detent portion 52 is biased upward into the gaps 36, 46 as indicated by the arrow "C" in FIG. The lock member 50 is biased so as to be biased. Thus, the detent 52 is selectively positionable with respect to the gaps 36, 46 so that it can enter and exit the gaps and substantially intersects the first longitudinal axis "A". By moving relative to the gaps 36, 46 in the plane of the first track member 30 and the second track member 30.
Of the track members 40 are latched in a predetermined longitudinal direction with respect to each other. The detent portion 52 is selectively positioned by the occupant operating the handle means 24 so that the occupant can selectively actuate the locking member 50.

The vehicle seat track latch device 20 of the present invention operates in the manner described below between the latched state clearly shown in FIG. 5 and the unlatched state clearly shown in FIG. In the latched state, the first track member 30 and the second track member 40 are held in a state of being latched in a predetermined longitudinal direction with respect to each other, and the seat 22 is fixed to a vehicle (not shown). Held in a state. In such a latched condition, at least some of the gaps 36 in the series of teeth 34 that form the first row 32 are in the second row 4.
Aligned with a corresponding number of gaps 46 in the series of teeth 44 forming two, forming a corresponding number of pairs of aligned gaps 36, 46. The movement stopping portion 52 is the handle means 24.
Can be selectively positioned with respect to these paired aligned gaps 36,46.

To move from the latched state to the unlatched state and vice versa, the handle means 24 is used to rotate the locking member 50 about the second longitudinal axis "B". . Correspondingly, the detent 52 substantially intersects the first longitudinal axis "A" and the second longitudinal axis "B" (indicated by arrow "C" in FIG. 2). Is rotated about a second longitudinal axis "B" with respect to a pair of aligned gaps 36, 46 in the plane.

In the unlatched condition, the detent 52 is pivoted out of the paired aligned gaps 36, 46, and the first track member 30 and the second track member 40.
Are not selectively retained in a predetermined longitudinal latching relationship with each other. In the unlatched condition, the occupant is free to move the seat 22 to a position in which some of the gaps 36 of the first track member 30 are aligned with the corresponding number of gaps 46 of the second track member 40. You can When the handle means 24 is released when such alignment is achieved, the detents 52 hold the first track member 30 and the second track member 40 in a predetermined longitudinally latched condition with respect to each other. First, the springs 70, 70 are biased in the direction of arrow "C" into the paired aligned gaps 36, 46.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the locking member linearly transitions toward or away from the teeth of the first and second track members. It can be configured to move in a manner. It has two or more elongated guides that are rigidly attached to the bracket members and that are oriented and directed transverse to the first and second rows of teeth of the first and second track members. This can be done by attaching a lock member to the pin. The detents of the locking members actuate appropriate linking means attached to the steering wheel to move into and out of the aligned gaps 36,46 of the pair of first and second track members. Slidably engaged for movement in a plane substantially intersecting the longitudinal axis of 1.

[0033]

Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain forms and with reference to the drawings, the invention is not limited to the specific forms and arrangements of the elements described above.

[0035]

As described above, the track latch device for a vehicle seat according to the present invention enables an unrestricted number of detent portions to move in and out of the teeth of the first track member. Positioning in conjunction with the truck can withstand the heavy truck loads required when attaching the seat belt mount to the vehicle seat frame.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a track latch device for a vehicle seat according to the present invention attached to a vehicle seat.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the track latch device for the vehicle seat of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the track latch device for the automobile seat of FIG. 1 including the portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a part of the track latch device for the vehicle seat shown in FIG. 3 in an assembled state.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the vehicle seat track latch device of FIG. 1 with the lock member latched.

FIG. 6 is a cut end view similar to FIG. 5 with the locking member unlatched.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 Automotive Seat Track Latch Device 22 Seat 24 Handle Means 26 Support Leg 27 Center Part 28 Ball Bearing 29 Bolt 30 First Track Member 31 Flange 32 First Row 33 Top 34 Teeth 35 Race 36 Gap 40 Second Track Member 41 Inward flange 43 Bottom 45 Top 47 Race 49 Enclosing space 52 Motion stop 53 Opening 55 Opening 56 Crossover 58 C-shaped attachment 60 Bracket member 62 Attachment 68 Receiving

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A first and second slidably engaging track member adapted to slide relative to one another along a first longitudinal axis, said first and second track members comprising: And the second
The track member is substantially U-shaped and forms a substantially enclosed space between the track members when placed in a vehicle, the first track member having a first row of continuous teeth, The first row is aligned with and substantially parallel to the first axis and the successive teeth are arranged to define a gap between each pair of teeth. Cage,
The second track member has a second row of continuous teeth, the second row aligned with and substantially parallel to the first axis, and the continuous teeth form each pair. A gap is provided between the successive teeth to define a gap between the teeth, and the gap is formed so as to laterally enter the continuous teeth forming the first and second rows. A locking member having a plurality of detents formed at the opposite ends thereof joined to each other, and fixedly attached to the second track member and to the first track member. And a bracket member that laterally supports the lock member so as to be juxtaposed with each other, the teeth of the first track member are held in the substantially enclosed space, and the detent portion is also enclosed. Retained in the space, the locking member is At least some of the gaps in the first row of teeth are in a plane in which the plurality of detents substantially intersects the first longitudinal axis by selectively manipulating a locking member. Aligned with a corresponding number of said gaps in said second row of teeth to form a corresponding number of paired aligned gaps, such that access to and from this aligned gap is possible. A track latch device for an automobile seat, which is selectively positionable and selectively holds the first and second track members in a state of being mutually latched in a predetermined longitudinal direction. 2. The lock member is configured such that the bracket member is rotatable in parallel with respect to the first track member about a second longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The track latch device for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, which supports a member. 3. The gap and the teeth of the first track member are arranged substantially below, and the detent portion of the lock member moves substantially vertically to move in and out of the gap. Item 3. A vehicle seat track latch device according to Item 2. 4. The track latch device for a vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the detent portion is oriented substantially horizontally when the track latch device is in a latched state. 5. The track latch device for a vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the lock member is spring-biased so that the detent portion is biased toward the gap. 6. The truck of claim 5, further comprising handle means secured to the locking member to enable a seated person to selectively actuate the locking member. Latch device. 7. The track latch device for an automobile seat according to claim 6, wherein the handle means is provided so as to extend outward from a side portion of the seat. 8. The track latch device for a vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the handle is provided so as to extend outward from a front portion of the seat. 9. The vehicle seat track latch device according to claim 8, wherein the first track member is fixed to the vehicle, and the second track member is fixed to the seat. .